Service Award: Andi Goff, Lee Marks led by example

Wednesday

Jun 25, 2014 at 8:45 PMJun 25, 2014 at 10:42 PM

By Brenda YoungRockford Register Star

The Rockford Register Star presented its annual service award to two coaches who had actively engaged in making a difference in their local schools during their tenure at Wednesday’s All-Sports Banquet at Giovanni’s.

Marks spent 47 years as boys track and field coach for Guilford. In 1972, he guided the Vikings to a NIC-10 title. He was the longest-tenured coach in NIC-10 history before being asked to step down after this season.

Former Vikings Credell Magee, who ran track in the early 1980s, remembers Marks as more than just a coach.

“He was ‘Mr. Marks’,” Magee said. “We all respected him. He was much more than a coach to us. He did so much for us. He would drive us to and from track practice in his car. He did that and he was so influential in our lives.”

Goff retired this season after 40 years in sports and education, mostly in the Rockford Public School District. Her longest coaching tenure was 27 years as East softball coach.

“She was a model coach and she could always be counted on to give her best effort in making decisions in the best interest of her children,” said East athletic director Michael Armato.

Goff was also honored with this award in 2008 when she helped the E-Rabs build their new softball field behind the high school.